Giant squid are known to swim in the waters near Japan and sometimes wash up on its shores, but it is very rare to see them swimming in the sea.
Two Japanese divers recently managed to capture rare footage of a 2.5m giant squid swimming off the west coast of the Japanese archipelago, describing the experience as “exciting”.
Yosuke Tanaka and his wife Miki, diving instructors in Toyooka, Hyogo Prefecture, were tipped off by a fishing tackle salesman who had spotted the giant squid near the surface in a bay, and set off by boat to meet him near one rocky coast.
“There it was, a giant squid,” said Yosuke Tanaka. “It didn’t have the nimble movements of many fish and sea creatures,” he added. “Its tentacles and fins moved very slowly.”
A very rare event
The squid looked weak and scraps of skin appeared to be peeling off its body, the diver observed. The animal’s size and huge eyes were striking, and Yosuke Tanaka says he imagined how strong a squid must have been to attack a whale.
“I could see its tentacles moving. I thought it would be dangerous to be caught and carried away by this creature,” he added.
Giant squid are known to swim in the waters near Japan and sometimes wash up on its shores, but it is very rare to see them swimming in the sea.
“It was exciting. I don’t think there is anything more rare than this sight,” said Yosuke Tanaka, adding, “I heard that not much is known about this creature. I would be happy if it helps us to learn more.”